White spaces vote gets FCC approval

The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to release unused broadcast TV spectrum for unlicensed use, giving technology leaders Google, Microsoft and others a victory in their bid to create a next-generation version of Wi-Fi.

The vote on so-called white spaces caps a multi-year fight over the vacant spectrum, which proponents have said can spark a new wireless revolution, making mobile broadband more accessible, widespread and open to innovation. In addition to Google and Microsoft, the coalition included a number of heavyweights such as Hewlett-Packard and Motorola who see the potential for new gadgets and services that can ride on the open airwaves.

Opponents waged a furious last minute battle to stall the vote, saying more research needed to be done to ensure the use of white spaces did not impact other wireless uses. The National Association of Broadcasters, which represents more than 8,000 local and national television stations, said using the white spaces could lead to interference with TV broadcasts. Live performers, from Broadway to big time musical acts, also raised concerns about the use of the spectrum disrupting wireless microphones.

Google, which has taken a leadership role on the issue, hailed white spaces as a way to raise America’s broadband penetration, which has fallen behind other nations in recent years. The ability to use the unlicensed broadcast spectrum, which can work over longer distances than Wi-Fi, also brings the hope of reaching more rural communities who have trouble connecting to wired networks.

The new wireless option will also fuel innovation, just as Wi-Fi did when it was first used 10 years ago and potentially lower the cost of broadband by introducing new competition, said proponents.

The FCC last month issued a report giving conditional support to white spaces devices that utilize geolocation and sensing technologies. Those devices would be able to avoid established TV channels and registered performance venues though critics continued to raise objections about their use saying there is still no guarantee that they won’t cause interference. The commission on Tuesday approved the use of white spaces with devices that include such anti-interference technology.